Crime Blog

A teenage carjacking suspect was shot by police early this morning after a chase through Mesquite.

Police say the 19-year-old suspect and a second gunman robbed a driver about 12:30 a.m. in the 3600 block of Byrd Drive, taking his wallet and 2009 Acura.

Patrol officers spotted the Acura shortly afterward and attempted to stop the driver, triggering a short chase. The two suspects bailed out of the stolen car at Bahamas and Aloha drives. One suspect, Deshon Jackson, was quickly captured, police said.

The 19-year-old, identified as Demarcus Shorter, hurdled a fence into a back yard, where police say he spun around and raised his arm at the officer.

“Due to the suspect’s actions, the officer was placed in fear for his life,” Mesquite police Sgt. Brian Parrish said. “The officer fired three rounds from his service weapon striking the suspect one time.”

Police did not say whether Shorter was armed at the time.

He was taken to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, where he’s listed as stable. No officers were injured.

A third suspect, who police say drove the robbers to the carjacking scene, was also arrested. He was identified as Keith Simon.

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative duty while the shooting is under investigation.